If the fish is on your list…
Ice-
fishing season and Christmas line up nicely, making outdoor gifts a natural for the fisherman on your shopping list.
Whether it’s an ice-auger, a portable shelter or fishing tackle, there are plenty of gift possibilities for the ice fisherman. Stores such as Cabela’s and The Fishin’ Hole stock a wide range of supplies for fishing at any time of year.
Rick Gilligan of The Fishin’ Hole points out that ice fishing can be more economical than fishing on open water. An ice fisherman can be outfitted with a good selection of top of the line gear for $2,000 while fishing on open water can cost far more, especially when a boat enters the equation.
While most of the gear is intended for adults, there are a few items for youngsters such as poles and reels with Cars, Barbie, Star Wars, Spider-Man or Dora the Explorer themes.
Once on the ice, the first thing a fisherman needs is a hole to reach the quarry. Both Cabela’s and Fishin’ Hole carry a good selection of augers with a full range of power sources ranging from muscle to gasoline, propane and electric.
The gasoline augers are available with both two- and four-stroke engines. The two-stroke models require mixing oil into the gasoline.
Eskimo and Jiffy are popular auger brands — the new Eskimo electric auger features a 40-volt lithium-ion battery. Jiffy’s lineup includes a propane-fuelled, four-stroke auger.
For many ice-fishing enthusiasts, the next requirement after having a hole through the ice is shelter, both against the elements and as place to keep warm.
A variety of tent-style shelters are available, ranging from one- or two-person models to those that can accommodate nine people. Most are designed to set up quickly, often in a minute or less.
Some one- and two-person models are equipped with a sled base and a pull-over design for easy setup. The occupant sits on a seat in the sled base.
Sleds are available so that muscle power or an ATV can be used to pull the folded shelters onto the ice so they can be set up quickly.
The Fishin’ Hole and Cabela’s both sell propane-fired heaters that can warm the shelters to keep their occupants comfortable.
In addition, they sell clothing that will help keep fishermen warm. Besides apparel for the icefisherman, the stores sell clothing such as Tshirts that will be great in the summer.
The biggest question facing most fisherman is where to find the fish — that’s where both Fishin’ Hole and Cabela’s can provide some electronic assistance with portable fishfinders and underwater cameras.
The Fishin’ Hole sells Lowrance fishfinders that include an ice-mode software. Cameras can be rigged to look down from the hole through the ice or to look under the ice around the hole.
When it comes to fishfinders and cameras, there’s a fairly wide price range — features and budget will determine which one a buyer picks.
The main item the ice fisherman needs when he’s ready to sit down next to a hole in the ice is an appropriate rod and reel combination. Again, both Fishin’ Hole and Cabela’s offer plenty of choices.
There’s also a good selection of tip-ups, usually with a flag, that lets the angler know of a strike. There’s also an electronic solution — The Fishin’ Hole sells an alarm that should be loud enough to catch the attention of an angler sitting near the hole.
Both stores also have a good selection of lures and bait.
In addition to the ice-fishing gear, there’s an even wider selection of equipment for anglers who prefer the warmth of summer and open water. There are plenty of rods, reels, lures and clothing, including vests that allow a fly fisherman to carry flies and other items with him as he wades down the stream looking for elusive trout.
Both stores also sell smokers for fishermen who want to go that route with their catch.
Cabela’s, founded in 1961 in Nebraska, stocks gear for a wide range of outdoor sports, is in the Currents of Windermere shopping area near the Terwillegar Drive Exit from Anthony Henday. For more information, phone 780682-9200 or visit the website at
www.cabelas.ca.
The Fishin’ Hole has two stores in Edmonton at 9078 51 Ave., phone 780-465-0877, and 11283 170 St., phone 780-444-1220, or visit the website at www.thefishin
hole.com. The north side Fishin’ Hole location now is closed.